Week 36, Race 34: Three Counties XC Race 3: Wing

I do love a good cross country race and this one was a goodun. Very windy (but not cold or wet), hilly, stream crossing, mud, it had it all! I was very pleased to finish in around 55 ish minutes but  times are not that important in cross country races!

Week 35, Race 33: Panshanger parkrun

On Saturday morning we woke up to snow. I'd had a rubbish week due to ill children and absent husband and I really wasn't keen on leaving the house but the lure of a bit of time to myself was too much so I set off down the A1 in the pouring rain and cold wind to Panshanger parkrun. I like this one which I have run 5 times now, it's a nice off road 1 lap course. Luckily it didn't rain during the race and I finished a pleasant run in 32:16.

Week 34, Race 32: Luton Wardown parkrun

Soggy support crew

Back in Luton again for the Wardown parkrun and the weather had finally become inclement, it was cold and wet!
Not much to say really, I've done this race 5 times now which, at 3.5 laps of the park per race, adds up 17.5 laps of Wardown Park this year...I had an OK run finishing in 31:30 and we all got a bit wet and cold!
I must have a look around for a few more races as a bit of variety would be good :-)

Week 33, Race 31: Three Counties XC Race 2: Wootton

I have always loved cross country races. Not sure why I like them so much, maybe it is because it isn't just about speed, it's about strength (mental and physical)...and I like getting muddy. This was my first XC for a couple of years and when my old shoes had rotted away after being left covered in mud in a bag I decided to treat myself to a pair of shiny new innov8 mudclaws...they even came with an inspirational quote. The race was in Northampton (hosted by Wootton Road Runners) and was a 4ish miles, 2 lap race around a country park. It wasn't the most exciting course I've ever done but it had a couple of interesting scrambles and enough mud to keep me entertained. I didn't run brilliantly and spent most of the second lap being overtaken but I was happy to finish 132nd female in a time of 43:30.

Week 32, Race 30: Luton Wardown parkrun

 

After a week off as it was half term holiday time this week I was back at Luton Wardown parkrun. Not much to say really, I finished in a slow 32:21. I'd love to blame the fact that Hannah ran some of it with me except I couldn't keep up with her!
3/4 of the way through my little challenge now and looking forward to some cross country races in the coming weeks!

Week 30, Race 29: Luton Wardown parkrun

Getting a bit cooler now so not quite as tempting getting out of bed for a parkrun. Oh, and a terrible run of sleeping from young Matthew has meant I am less enthusastic than usual.
Back to Luton this week for the Wardown Park parkrun, I am in 2 minds about whether I like this one or not, it's a fairly pleasant park, not too far from home, easy to park and a nice park for my supporters but 3.5 laps around a lake is a bit wearing...
Not my best time (31:15), must do better next time!!

Week 29, Race 28: Wimpole Estate parkrun

It was a glorious day for a run and this week's parkrun was at Wimpole Estate. Probably one of my favourites (pretty, easy parking, nice café, fun things for small people to do) but somehow I've only run it once.
We met my parents who were staying nearby and Grandad did a great job babysitting. There were a lot of warnings about cows in the (never ending!) chat at the beginning of the race but thankfully I don't even remember seeing any cows. Phew.
My finishing time was 37:01, this was mainly as Hannah joined me for the first 1.5kms and the last few metres.